Aberdeen, S.D. – What started out as a beautiful early fall evening in Aberdeen turned into a historic night for the Northern State University football team, as they defeat No. 24 Minnesota State. Over 5000 Wolves faithful were on hand for the 1-point victory over the Mavericks, marking just the second in program history over Mankato.
THE QUICK DETAILS
Final Score: NSU 23, MSU 22
Records: NSU 2-1, MSU 2-1
Attendance: 5378
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The two team's played 15 minutes of scoreless football through the opening quarter
- The Wolves scored first notching ten points in the second and another ten in the third
- Minnesota State stormed back with 22 total points in the fourth, however a field goal by Payton Eue early and a final minute interception by Ar'Shon Willis sealed the victorious ending for the Wolves
- Eue went 3-for-3 in field goal attempts, notching 11 total points (including two PATs) in the win, with a 28-yarder in the second, 33-yarder in the third, and 33-yarder in the fourth
- Will Madler entered the game early in the second and took command of the Wolves offense, scoring the first touchdown of his career, a 16-yard run, with three minutes on the clock
- Madler then tallied his first career passing touchdown, connecting with Mankato native Wyatt Block for a 26-yard reception
- Following Eue's fourth quarter opening field goal, Minnesota State went on a 22-0 run with three touchdowns, two PATs, and a safety
- The Mavericks were knocking on the door, taking possession with just 1:20 left in the contest
- MSU trotted to the Northern 40-yard line, where Willis stopped them in their tracks, grabbing his second interception of the 2022 season as the clock ticked under a minute
- In total, Northern recorded a game leading 20 first downs, 144 yards rushing (averaging 3.7 yards per carry), and 302 yards of total offense
- They held possession for over 37 minutes, went 4-of-4 in the red-zone, and converted on their lone fourth down attempt
- In addition, the Wolves defense held Minnesota State to 5-of-14 on third down and 43 yards rushing, recorded two sacks for a loss of 12 yards, and tallied four interceptions
- The Northern State offense saw six players carry the ball and eight tally at least one reception
- Luke Gunderson, Brennan Kutterer, and Trey King led the way notching six tackles each, while 16 players notched multiple in the win
NORTHERN STATE STATISTICAL STANDOUTS
- Will Madler: 113 yards passing, 10-of-29, 41 yards rushing, 1 rushing touchdown
- Stanley Haskins Jr.: 57 yards rushing, 30-yard long, 5.2 yards per carry
- Wyatt Block: 36 yards rushing, 66 yards receiving, 1 touchdown
- Luke Gunderson: 6 tackles, 1.0 sack, 50 kick return yards
- Ar'Shon Willis: 4 tackles, 1 interception
- Trevor Johnson: 3 tackles, 1 interception
- Lynden Williams / Hunter Hansen: 2 tackles, 1 interception
- Jordan Hillesheim: 2 tackles, 1.0 sack
- Payton Eue: 37.8 yards per punt, 3-for-3 FG attempts, 2-for-2 PAT, 64.3 yards per kickoff
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- Northern State tallied just their second win in program history over the Mavericks and the first in over 50 years
- The last time NSU recorded four interceptions in a contest was versus Concordia-St. Paul in 2018
- Northern is now 5-2 from the confines of Dacotah Bank Stadium
UP NEXT
Northern State hits the road for two straight weeks, beginning at Augustana next Saturday. Kick-off is set for 1 p.m. against the Vikings. The Wolves return home for the annual Gypsy Days game on October 8 versus Winona State. For a full list of game day promotions
CLICK HERE. Fans are also reminded that all game day information and protocols are posted on the
Dacotah Bank Stadium homepage.